Conflict – Interview Questions

Interview Question: Tell me about a situation when you were given job instructions and you were unable to comprehend the instructions. How did you go about completing the task?

Interview Answer Guide: Job seeker should explain that seeking clarification is alright; that they try to clarify things to make sure the job is done right; should see conflict as natural and not a personal attack.

Interview Question: How do you manage to work with people whom you are not comfortable with? What do you do in such situations?

Interview Answer Guide: Job seeker should explain that they put the team first; should not appear easily intimidated; seeks to resolve differences; does not personalize conflicts.

Interview Question: Tell me about a time when you helped to successfully mediate in a conflict? How did you feel?

Interview Answer Guide: Candidate should show that they are helpful in resolving conflicts by understanding each co-workers view of the situation.

Interview Question: Tell me about a situation where you were aware of a serious mistake made by a colleague and what did you do about it?

Interview Answer Guide: You basically want to hear that they do not like to point fingers at others; that they try to stop the mistake from happening again by making his/her colleague aware of their error in a non blame educational manner.

Interview Question: Describe a time when you had a disagreement with a colleague at work. How did you manage to work it out?

Interview Answer Guide: Job seeker should appear to know how to resolve issues and uses it as an opportunity to reinforce interpersonal relationships; concentrates on the issues and never personalizes things.

Interview Question: Tell me about a time when you had to work through some negativity to get some work done.

Interview Answer Guide: Answer given should show you that the candidate can stick with it and work through negativity quickly.

Interview Question: Describe a time when everyone in the meeting was opposing your ideas. How did you manage to work it out?

Interview Answer Guide: Candidate should appear to know how to convince others that their point is right. Sees conflict as natural. Never personalizes it, but explains the issues involved forcefully; stands up for what he believes is best for the business in a logical and reasonable manner.

Interview Question: How would you handle a conflict between you and higher management?

Interview Answer Guide: Job seeker should appear to be able to reason logically and forcibly argue for what is best for the company; should be respectful to, but not intimidated by higher management.